People Manager

NHS; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare provider is seeking a professional for a key employee relations role in Brighton. The candidate will support managers with conduct and performance management while providing guidance on complex employee issues. Previous NHS experience is preferred, and the position offers a hybrid working model. Ideal applicants will have a Master's degree and extensive experience in a multi-unionised environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Diversity and inclusion programs

Commitment to wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience of employee relations in a complex organization.
• Ability to advise managers on case management issues.
• Experience preparing Employment Tribunal information.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance on employee relation issues.
• Support managers in conduct and performance management.
• Manage own caseload and resolve complex issues.

Skills

Expert knowledge of national NHS terms and conditions

Excellent communication skills

Experience in a multi-unionised environment

Mediation skills

Education

Masters degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and professional individual who is fully qualified (or nearing completion) with the CIPD. Previous NHS experience or experience in a complex and unionised environment is essential.

This role has a hybrid working pattern and is part office and part remote working. Your base will be one of our hospital sites in either Brighton, Worthing or Chichester but travel to all sites may be required.

Job responsibilities

• Provide proactive and professional advice and guidance to managers and employees regarding all employee relation issues. This will include conduct and performance management, grievances, sickness and other absence in accordance with Trust Policies, current legislation, the ACAS code of practice and other professional standards.
• Support managers in providing effective and high quality evidence based investigations of conduct and other people related issues.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of employee case management and inputting more widely into all employee relations case management across the Trust.
• Support managers in using effective people management practices to improve service performance and productivity by using mediation and coaching techniques and developing and delivering training programmes.
• Interpret, analyse and provide expert advice on employment matters and support the effective and timely resolution of casework, often involving highly complex, contentious and highly sensitive issues requiring tact and diplomacy.
• Manage own caseload; deploy appropriate techniques to obtain evidence and facts using open questioning, clarification, advanced listening, persuasion and influencing skills to ensure the facts are clear.
• Work in partnership with Staff Side where appropriate to bring cases to conclusion quickly whilst ensuring that standards are upheld.
• Support the development and monitoring of appropriate performance targets/standards with the involvement of staff and ensure there are mechanisms in place to audit them and produce regular performance reports.
• As a line manager, undertake appraisals, performance and absence management processes, disciplinary and grievance matters, and allocate team workload to achieve service objectives.
• Deliver a customer focused and user-friendly service which provides accurate, timely, professional advice to managers and maximises the use of appropriate technology and resources.

For context, this information forms part of the job description and responsibilities as published by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We are committed to wellbeing, flexible working where possible, and supporting work-life balance.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training to help you grow and develop. We hope you choose UHSussex for a long and rewarding career where you feel valued for all you do.

Job details

Date posted: 30 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Reference: 279-7510922-OCT25

Job locations: Brighton, Worthing or Chichester

Brighton, BN2 5BE

Qualifications and experience

Essential and Desirable

• Masters degree or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Expert knowledge of national NHS terms and conditions including Agenda for Change and Medical Terms and Conditions.
• Extensive experience of employee relations in a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation requiring legally sound analysis and decision making.
• Experience of preparing Employment Tribunal information.
• Experience of working in a multi-unionised environment.
• Able to advise managers on case management issues related to terms and conditions, discipline, capability or grievance.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Experience of managing a team/supervising others’ work and setting performance standards and targets.

Desirable

• Excellent mediation skills proven in bringing resolution to conflict situations.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Essential

• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to the role).
• Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Descriptive notes

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be necessary.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. For details, refer to the UK Visas and Immigration guidance and NHS registration requirements.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.